INTERVIEW with Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 Designer - OSSOM
Above: Photo supplied by OSSOM
SD: Hi Olga, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
O: Hi, my name is Olga, I'm Ukrainian, moved to Australia with my family 6 years ago. I loved fashion since I remember myself – I was always drawing pretty princesses in beautiful gowns, then I was cutting dresses for my paper dolls - that’s probably where passion for design started! I feel like I've been in fashion forever – I've started modelling since I was 13, and was lucky to work for 12 years as a model in over 30 different countries around the world. In 2018 I had my first baby and felt like I cannot find clothing that would make me feel good, safe, beautiful. So I went to sewing classes and two months later started making clothing for myself and my friends and family. My husband suggested to try selling some of my clothing at the markets and that's how my slow fashion brand Ossom started!
SD: What was the biggest inspiration behind your latest collection?
O: My latest collection FLOW!, is the result of a vibrant collaboration between my slow fashion brand, Ossom, and Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest Aboriginal art centers in Australia. With this collection, we've woven a tapestry of stories, culture, and innovation into every piece.
"Moon and Star" print by Angelo Munkara captures the celestial cycle of the moon and stars, symbolizing the timeless passage of time and the interconnectedness of all things. "Pwanga" print by Vivian Kerinauia is showcasing the intricate beauty of a spiderweb design, inspired by the delicate craftsmanship found in nature. "Wanarringa Sun" print by Bede Tungutalum pays homage to the Tiwi skin group of the same name, radiating warmth and vitality. It's a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy of the Tiwi people. "Ampitji Rainbow Serpent" by Alan Kerinauia and "Ampitji Rainbow Serpent" by Arnold Tipiloura are beautiful additions that seamlessly blend traditional symbolism with contemporary flair. These designs, born in 2023, evoke a sense of wonder and awe, embodying the ongoing cultural legacy of the Tiwi community.
First Nations Textiles are a mesmerizing form of art with a history spanning 60 thousand years. They effortlessly bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Tiwi Design, as pioneers of textile printing among Aboriginal art centers, consistently pushes boundaries - they experiment with new techniques, work with unusual fabrics, and eagerly explore innovative printing methods.
When I approached Tiwi Design with the idea of capturing the beauty of patterns formed by a drop of petrol on water, they totally agreed to concept. Together, we selected fabrics that would best convey the essence of flow and lightness. We curated a palette of metallic hues that exude contemporary aesthetic and embrace beauty of change and transformation.
SD: What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?
O: I'm open to the beauty of the world around me and always try to look for it and absorb it as much as I can! I have a good eye for details and keeping my phone close by helps me to save this memories for later and return back when I need inspo.
SD: How do you want people to feel when wearing your pieces?
O: It's all in my brand name OSSOM (slang from AWESOM oooosssssooooooom) – it's clothing to empower, clothing to make you feel good, clothing that you choose for yourself, not to please anyone.
SD: What is your favourite part of being a designer?
O: Wearing lots of beautiful outfits! No, kidding! I love this superpower of taking a piece of fabric and creating 3-d object that others can wear, feel good in, love it and care about it!
SD: Without giving too much details away, what should we expect from your collection for Brisbane Fashion Month?
O: I will be presenting FLOW! - collection where slow fashion meets Indigenous art, where craftsmanship meets storytelling. It is a celebration of culture, innovation, and the timeless beauty found at the intersection of fashion and art and I’m looking forward to seeing you, Suzanne, and your audience at the show!
Tickets are going fast. If you want to see OSSOM on the runway, get your Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 tickets here
Brisbane Fashion Month Website: http://www.brisbanefashionmonth.com.au/
Brisbane Fashion Month Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brisbanefashionmonth/
Brisbane Fashion Month Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brisbanefashionmonth/
OSSOM’s social media presence:
OSSOM’s Website: http://ossom.com.au/
OSSOM’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ossom.au/
OSSOM’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ossom.au
Above: Photo supplied by OSSOM